Hello, I have decided not to continue treatment (my CD4 is 350) and my viral load is less than 2% detectable. I was wondering what to expect with OI'S and general life expectancy?

Response from Dr. Wohl

Once you stop HIV therapy, your viral load will shoot back up to around where it was before you started HIV meds. Over time, your CD4 cell count will drop. When the CD4 count falls below 200 you will be at increased risk for opportunistic conditions including infections and cancers. There are also dat suggesting you will be at heightened risk for cardiovascular, kideny and liver disease. The lower the CD4 goes, the higher your risk. You can expect night sweats, weight loss, skin rashes and fatigue over time. Untreated, HIV will probably cause your death.

Your reasons for deciding to stop HIV therapy need to be explored given the dire consequences of such a move. Treatment fatigue is a major motivation for drug discontinuation and in such cases, despite the risks, a treatment holiday may be called for with resumption of therapy later on. Depression can also certainly lead one to forego HIV treatment. If you are depressed, getting proper help and treatment is critical.

Your reasons for stopping HIV meds are likely complicated. I urge you to discuss this decision with your doctors and loved ones.

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